Reasons to visit the Canadian International Auto Show

Whether you're a casual tire-kicker or an obsessive gearhead, there's plenty to see and do at CIAS 2014

You can check out the 2015 Audi S3 at this year's Canadian International AutoShow.Dylan Leeder

If you’re in the market to buy a new car or truck, the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) is a great place to spend some time. With over 55,000 square metres showcasing more than 1,000 new vehicles spread throughout the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the show is not only the largest indoor auto mall in the country, but also the largest consumer show of any kind in Canada. But there are also a host of displays and events to keep the casual tire-kickers happy.

Although the average Canadian new car buyer is more than likely looking for a pickup truck or compact car at CIAS, the show’s Auto Exotica display showcases exotic vehicles from Aston Martin, Maserati and Fisker that only the lucky owner of a winning lottery ticket could hope to afford. But of course, not all “exotic” cars are new. For those interested in some classic sheet metal, the show’s Muscle Car Alley and Cruise Nationals displays are a must-see.

This year’s Muscle Car Alley will feature some of the most famous examples from Chrysler’s Mopar performance era. In addition to 15 Mopar vehicles — including such legendary nameplates as the Dodge Charger, Challenger and Plymouth’s legendary Richard Petty #43 NASCAR-winning blue Super Bird — the display will also feature a tribute to the 1968 Dodge Dart.

Once your Mopar lust has been satiated at Muscle Car Alley, old car fans can also check out the Cruise Nationals exhibit. For the past 10 years at CIAS, Cruise Nationals has showcased the very best custom and restored cars and trucks in Southern Ontario built before 1975. From 60 finalists that participated in 10 regional Cruise National events, 10 final winners from the season-ending Cruise Nationals Season Finale will vie for cash and bragging rights on this year’s CIAS floor.

The McLaren P1 at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The Fiat 500C GQ Edition at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The Nissan Sentra NISMO concept at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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Maserati Ghibli at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The McLaren P1 at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The McLaren P1 at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The interior of the Nissan Sport Sedan Concept at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The Dodge Challenger Shaker at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The McLaren P1 at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The Nissan Sport Sedan Concept at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The interior of the 2015 Volkswagen GTI at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The Acura TLX prototype at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The Acura TLX prototype at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The new Chrysler 200 at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The Fiat 500C at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The interior of the Fiat 500 at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The new Chrysler 200 at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The interior of the new Chrysler 200 at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The Dodge Challenger Shaker at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The all-new Ford F-150 at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The McLaren P1 at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The all-new Porsche Macan at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The all-new Subaru WRX STI at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The all-new Subaru WRX STI at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The all-new Subaru WRX STI at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The 2014 Volkswagen Golf at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The 2015 Volkswagen Golf's interior at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The all-new 2015 Chrysler 2000 at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The new Ford F-150 at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The new Ford F-150 at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The new Ford F-150 at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The interior of the Ford F-150 pickup at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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2015 Honda Fit at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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2015 Honda Fit at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The 2015 Honda Fit's interior at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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Infiniti Q30 concept at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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Porsche 911 GT3 cup car at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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2015 Volkswagen Golf at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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Infiniti Q30 concept at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class at the Canadian International AutoShow.

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Porsche returned to the Canadian International AutoShow with its GT3 Cup Car.

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The 2015 Volkswagen GTI the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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The interior of the Maserati Ghibli at the Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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Nissan Sport Sedan Concept at Canadian International AutoShow 2014.

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Porsche returned to the Canadian International AutoShow with its GT3 Cup Car.

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While the Muscle Car Alley and Cruise Nationals displays take you back in time, the show’s AutoConnect Showcase features the latest in state-of the-art in-car connectivity. Gobs of horsepower and sexy styling may still sell a lot of new vehicles, but for a growing number of new car buyers, how their new vehicle connects with their smartphone may decide which new set of wheels ends up into their laneway.

As such, the CIAS’s AutoConnect Showcase features a wide variety of in-car technologies that have converged to make today’s mobile phone a multifunctional communication, information and entertainment device. And as much as today’s new vehicles entertain and inform drivers, they also connect and communicate with each other and the outside world. But in the near future, the self-driving — or “autonomous — car may become a reality. And AutoConnect Showcase features many of the advanced connectivity and safety technologies already available and explores the future of autonomous vehicles.

We are all well-aware of the growing number of traffic accidents and deaths caused by distracted driving. So for new vehicle buyers worried that the “connected car” is a safety issue on our roadways, this year’s CIAS also presents its Distracted Driving Display. The exhibit features a driving simulator through which show goers can experience what happens to your driving skills whilst distracted, either from eating behind the wheel or texting on the phone.

One set of drivers who definitely understand the risks of distracted driving are racers. And at this year’s CIAS, the show is proud to present A Tribute to Ron Fellows, an exhibit featuring a collection of the Canadian racer’s cars, along with a “narrative of the history and highlights from his successful motorsport career.”

Known as one of North America’s most versatile and successful road racing drivers, Ron has also garnered a reputation as one of Canada’s most prominent racing ambassadors and is part owner of Canadian Tire Motorsports park (formerly known as Mosport). The Windsor, Ont., native has also been inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.

Finally, another highlight of this year’s CIAS is the celebration of Ontario’s Family Day civic holiday on Monday, Feb. 17. The CIAS organizers are planning a line-up of special guests, activities for the whole family and exclusive Family Day prize giveaways. Plus, keep in mind: the Volkswagen Children’s Playcare Centre offers free professional day care services with a number of activities designed to keep children busy, like face painting, colouring, dress-up, DVDs and more, while you check out your next Aston Martin.